What are the top 4 rules for Concealed Carry?

This is a discussion on What are the top 4 rules for Concealed Carry? within the Concealed Carry Issues & Discussions forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; I have a coworker that told me his wife got him a 9mm pistol for Christmas, but has no idea what make or model (first ...

What are the top 4 rules for Concealed Carry?

I have a coworker that told me his wife got him a 9mm pistol for Christmas, but has no idea what make or model (first boo boo). Given the price point, I am guessing something high end or quality.

He also told me that he already has his CC (second boo boo) but has not been carrying for want of something to carry. Followed by "As soon as we get back from layoff, I'm gonna have it with me all the time and screw [the company safety manager], she will never know (third boo boo).

My top 4 rules;
- Always carry, never tell
- Three can keep a secret if two are dead
- Know the state laws in which you live, and the federal regs on the matter (truck driver)
- Become a member of DefensiveCarry.com

Any substitutions?

Edited - Probably going to change the last one to "It's a last resort, no other option tool"

Grasseater // Grass~eat~er noun, often attributive \ˈgras-ē-tər\
A person who is incapable of independent thought; a person who is herd animal-like in behavior; one who cannot distinguish between right and wrong; a foolish person.See also Sheep

"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain."
- Roy Batty

Grasseater // Grass~eat~er noun, often attributive \ˈgras-ē-tər\
A person who is incapable of independent thought; a person who is herd animal-like in behavior; one who cannot distinguish between right and wrong; a foolish person.See also Sheep

"As soon as we get back from layoff, I'm gonna have it with me all the time and screw [the company safety manager], she will never know (third boo boo)."

Evidently, having a job and income isn't high on his list of priorities. He gets caught with it, we'll see who's screwing whom. I can leave my gun in the car if that's what it takes to feed the family, pay the mortgage, etc.

1 Mind your own business. If it is not your problem, it's not your problem. Call the police, and leave it alone.
2 Forget it, drive on.
3 You are not as good as you think you are, so get better by training. (Going to the range to make holes in paper is not training)
4 When someone was "Just minding my own business..." they weren't, and don't fall for that line of BS.

1) Be aware of your surroundings when out and about. Don't text, don't talk on the phone. Know where you are going and watch what everybody is doing. Despite what some say, it is your business when you are in a public place. Don't be the grey man. Make eye contact with potential BGs so they'll know you are watching them.
2) Don't carry if you aren't ready to take a life in self defense or defense of others. A small hesitation could get your weapon taken and turned on you.
3) Try to imagine and plan for every possible situation that might occur as you are out and about. You don't want to be left trying to make up your mind what to do when something happens. For example, say your in line at the bank - imagine where you would take cover and what you would do if something went down.
4) know and depend on your weapon. There's no excuse to be fumbling around with safety's, holsters, or jams when an emergency comes.

1) Be aware of your surroundings when out and about. Don't text, don't talk on the phone. Know where you are going and watch what everybody is doing. Despite what some say, it is your business when you are in a public place. Don't be the grey man. Make eye contact with potential BGs so they'll know you are watching them.
2) Don't carry if you aren't ready to take a life in self defense or defense of others. A small hesitation could get your weapon taken and turned on you.
3) Try to imagine and plan for every possible situation that might occur as you are out and about. You don't want to be left trying to make up your mind what to do when something happens. For example, say your in line at the bank - imagine where you would take cover and what you would do if something went down.
4) know and depend on your weapon. There's no excuse to be fumbling around with safety's, holsters, or jams when an emergency comes.

These are pretty good, except that the part about making eye contact can work for or against you. In some neighbor hoods it would be seen as a challenge. There are times when a good stare might make someone think twice and pick another target, but sometimes it could make you more noticable.